36. Writing and illustrating children’s books w/ Sheryl Bass

Have you pondered writing children’s book but aren’t sure how to pull the whole project together, from prose, to illustrations, to publication? In this episode, Sheryl Bass discusses various resources that can help you write and publish your book, how to handle illustrations, and what to consider when pondering traditional or self-publishing. You’ll also learn more about social emotional learning and how you can incorporate these messages into your books to help foster positive messages for children. Also enjoy hearing an excerpt of Sherly’s rhyming storybook. Topics discussed in this episode: Being a midwife to others’ creativityThe sneeze that inspired a children’s bookThe importance of rhyme vs what’s fashionableThe challenge of being an unknown authorHolding onto an idea for yearsCreating your own author’s brandIncorporating SEL into children’s booksPros to self-publishingCons to self-publishingFinding self-publishing services, such as editors and illustratorsFour tips for writing children’s booksOur children provide us with built-in resourcesHow your kids can help you choose an illustratorWriting isn’t a raceThe benefits of reading your story aloudAn excerpt from Baby Dragon’s Big SneezeAdding more kindness to the worldAbout Sheryl: Sheryl Bass holds a master’s degree in Social Work and has studied child development, and she uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship.Sheryl also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Sheryl resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers. Get her book: Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Dragons-Big-Sneeze-Children/dp/B0BJTFPQ55Connect with Sheryl:Website: http://www.be-kindpublishing.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087176800294 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.kind.publishing/  Resources discussed during the show: April Cox, coach, Self-Publishing Made Simple Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Laura Bontje, children’s book editorChildren’s Book Insider Remesh Ram, illustrator, Prayan AnimationSend us Fan MailREADY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER? Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor